"Initially" is the key word, because the more I drove the M235i, the more it reminded me of that orange 1M, and the more the jealousy started to disappear. Consider the performance data. The 1M was a party-sized M3, putting down the same numbers as its V-8 big brother. But despite the M235i's perceived shortcomings, it's right on the pace of those two. At 4.4 seconds to 60 mph and 13.0 seconds to the quarter mile (fastest run performed without launch control), the M235i is just 0.2 second behind the 1M. Braking performance is improved too, with a best stop of 103 feet from 60 mph (better by 2 feet). Most interesting, the M235i's 0.97 g skidpad average and 24.9-second figure-eight lap time is off the 1M's pace by just 0.01 average g and 0.1 second, respectively. The M235i could be faster, too. Our test car didn't have that optional locking diff, and, as a result, had difficulty on corner exit in the figure eight.

The M235i is one of the best-driving BMWs in recent memory, on par with the 1M and the last-generation M3 not only in performance standards, but also in how much it makes you smile. Even more tantalizing, a stickier and more powerful M2 is surely in development. But for now, the M235i's non-limited production numbers mean you too can have one. You no longer have to be jealous of orange 1Ms running around your neighborhood. Considering how much better the M235i looks, it might even go the other way around.

Poor write up. It was nearly all factual. Nothing about its real driving experience.

Yes, not factual......for one there are no 1Ms running around the neighborhood. you never see one, they are extremely rare. Second, the performance might be on par but not the experience. The 1M was loud..with real exhaust sound not digital track enhanced. Braking performance might be on par for 1 or two stops but the 1M had the M3 composite cross drilled floating disk design which dissipates heat better in multiple stops/track. it also came with Michelin PS2s not the better Pilot SuperSports on the 235i. Most 1Ms now have the Supersports. Also, the M235i is heavier than 1M which will eventually add to brake heat, etc. One real advantage of the 235i is the longer wheelbase and better aerodynamics. The 1M was a handful and would easily go sideways on you and at high speed, air would work against it.

This is one advantage of the new model. Also, the throttle response seems better too but that is the only advantage I see after driving both.

What the writer is saying is that the numbers are close...and how it gets those numbers is not that important. The excitement factor and sensory overload of the 1M is what makes it special even if eventually the newer digitally enhanced cars post better numbers. The whole character of the 1M was clearly defined as maybe not supercar fast, but exciting in real world situations.

Yes, not factual......for one there are no 1Ms running around the neighborhood. you never see one, they are extremely rare. Second, the performance might be on par but not the experience. The 1M was loud..with real exhaust sound not digital track enhanced. Braking performance might be on par for 1 or two stops but the 1M had the M3 composite cross drilled floating disk design which dissipates heat better in multiple stops/track. it also came with Michelin PS2s not the better Pilot SuperSports on the 235i. Most 1Ms now have the Supersports. Also, the M235i is heavier than 1M off of which will eventually add to brake heat, etc. One real advantage of the 235i is the longer wheelbase and better aerodynamics. The 1M was a handful and would easily go sideways on you and at high speed, air would work against it.

This is one advantage of the new model. Also, the throttle response seems better too but that is the only advantage I see after driving both.

What the writer is saying is that the numbers are close...and how it gets those numbers is not that important. The excitement factor and sensory overload of the 1M is what makes it special even if eventually the newer digitally enhanced cars post better numbers. The whole character of the 1M was clearly defined as maybe not supercar fast, but exciting in real world situations.

My point was he was just quoting numbers. Nothing about real driving, ride, steering etc

Yes, not factual......for one there are no 1Ms running around the neighborhood. you never see one, they are extremely rare. Second, the performance might be on par but not the experience. The 1M was loud..with real exhaust sound not digital track enhanced. Braking performance might be on par for 1 or two stops but the 1M had the M3 composite cross drilled floating disk design which dissipates heat better in multiple stops/track. it also came with Michelin PS2s not the better Pilot SuperSports on the 235i. Most 1Ms now have the Supersports. Also, the M235i is heavier than 1M which will eventually add to brake heat, etc. One real advantage of the 235i is the longer wheelbase and better aerodynamics. The 1M was a handful and would easily go sideways on you and at high speed, air would work against it.

This is one advantage of the new model. Also, the throttle response seems better too but that is the only advantage I see after driving both.

What the writer is saying is that the numbers are close...and how it gets those numbers is not that important. The excitement factor and sensory overload of the 1M is what makes it special even if eventually the newer digitally enhanced cars post better numbers. The whole character of the 1M was clearly defined as maybe not supercar fast, but exciting in real world situations.

So you're saying that the writer made up the story about him having a 1M in his neighborhood? That's strange. I see a black 1M on my commute weekly. It still looks great. For the advantages the 1M has, actual M suspension and fatter rubber, these cars are pretty much neck and neck.

I'm excited about the upcoming M2. It should be significantly better than the 1M with the suspension and tire upgrades, and an available DCT. Exciting times are ahead.

I'm excited about the upcoming M2. It should be significantly better than the 1M with the suspension and tire upgrades, and an available DCT. Exciting times are ahead.

Me too. And I'm happy it's not coming for another 2 years. That way I can enjoy the 235 and have one year to evaluate the M2 before deciding whether or not to get one. BMW not rushing this one out should definitely be a good thing.

+1 I truly think the lack of "hot" colors for the M235 is a good indication of what we will see available for the M2...

Quote:

Originally Posted by basiluf

So you're saying that the writer made up the story about him having a 1M in his neighborhood? That's strange. I see a black 1M on my commute weekly. It still looks great. For the advantages the 1M has, actual M suspension and fatter rubber, these cars are pretty much neck and neck.

I'm excited about the upcoming M2. It should be significantly better than the 1M with the suspension and tire upgrades, and an available DCT. Exciting times are ahead.

+1 here as well. There is a VO 1M in my general area - my 135 is a nice Lemans Blue, but it doesn't hold a candle to the 1M. It has that short wheelbase, bulldog looking stance, and I love it. I am still pissed I didn't position myself to get one...won't make that mistake again with the M2.

And even if the M235 is "faster" (and I have one on order) my guess is that a lot of it has to do with the PSS tires it is riding on. The suspension, brakes, torque, and feel should all be better with the 1M - only the BHP is basically a wash. Which is fine - the M235 isn't a "real" ///M car...but it hangs pretty well with the 1M and E92 M3, at least on paper. Should bode well for the M2, because it will be even better.

I'm a Huge 1M Coupe Fan but some of these fanboys needs to take a chill pill...

No one is actually saying the m235i is 'better' and an actually replacement for the 1M...

People who feel threatened that their 1 Series are going to be 'overshadowed' by the 2 series needs to grow some balls.

The most Arrogant statement One can make is NOT the fact that the 2Series will be an improvement on a 5-6 year old Model... The most arrogant/ignorant statement will be trying to assert that the 1series is superior to the 2Series when the 2Series was developed by BMW to succeed the 1series... + I mean the 2Series is hardly even out and people are getting their panties up in their croutches...

I'm a Huge 1M Coupe Fan but some of these fanboys needs to take a chill pill...

No one is actually saying the m235i is 'better' and an actually replacement for the 1M...

People who feel threatened that their 1 Series are going to be 'overshadowed' by the 2 series needs to grow some balls.

The most Arrogant statement One can make is NOT the fact that the 2Series will be an improvement on a 5-6 year old Model... The most arrogant/ignorant statement will be trying to assert that the 1series is superior to the 2Series when the 2Series was developed by BMW to succeed the 1series... + I mean the 2Series is hardly even out and people are getting their panties up in their croutches...

Just because BMW makes a successor, is not a guarantee it will be better.

#f30

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"... but really, you just gotta ... you just gotta turn it all off, boys! You gotta turn it all off and you gotta wreck some tires! That's what M cars are all about, isn't it?"